Electric switch.



NOQ 843,901; PATENTED FEB. 12, 190? H. J. s. LEWIS, ELECTRIC SWITCH.

APPLICATION FILED JULY 2, 1906.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 1 PATENTED FEB. 12, 1907.

H. J. S. LEWIS.

ELECTRIC SWITCH.

APPLICATION FILED JULY 2, 1906.

2 SHEETS-SHEI1T 2.

gwugm-boz UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

'nr nrms J. s. Levis, or New YORK, Y., ASSIGNOR TO JOHN H. DALE,

or NEW YORK, N. .Y.

ELECTRIC swlrou.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Feb. 12, 1907.

Application'filsd July 2, 1906. Serial No. 324.338.

To all whom, it may concern.-

Beit known that I, HERMAN J. S. LEWIS, a citizen of the United States, residing at the city of ew York, in the county of New York and. State cf'New York, have invented oer-- tain new and useful Improvements in Electrio Switches, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description.

My invention relates to electric switches,

and particularly those used for the purpose of incandescent lighting in which it is desired to operate different groups of lainps'or diflerent combinations of groups by asimple manipulation.

The principal object of the invention is to' provide a pendent or hanging switch which has engaging buttons or devices thereon which may be manipulated to light any desired groups'of lamps to which the switch is connected, either separately or in any combination.

A further object of the invention is to provide an. extremely compact switch mechanism for obtaining the above effects and which is durable and cheap to manufacture and conformable to all the insurance regulations.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a switch in which the desired groups or combination of groups of lainps may )6 illuminated by separate buttons, but iuwhich all the lamps may be extinguished by a single button.

With these and other objects in view the invention consists in" theconstruction, combination, in the location, and inthe arrangement of parts,'as hereinafter set forth'and shown, and finally particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a side view of a n'uiltiple endent switch embodying the principles of my; invention. Fig. 2 is a side view, slightly enlarged, of the porcelain blocks or body uponwhich the metallic ele ments are fastened. Fig. 3 is a top view of the same. Fig. 4 a bottom view. Fig. 5 sectional vievl" on the line V V of Fig. 3.

looking downward; Fig. 7 is a to view of the casing, showing the position; of the circuit-wires. Fig. 8 is a bottom view of the casing, partly hr" ken away. Fig. 9 is' a section on the line I )1 of Fi 3. Fig. 10 is a view from below of the part in Fig. 9. F ig. '11 is' a detail perspective view showing the metallic plates \Vllijii. are engaged by the switch elements. Fig, 12 is a detail sectional view showing one of the porcelain blocks employed. Fig. 13 is a perspective view showmg the construction of the releasing-button.

For the purposes of private dwellings, hotels, and also for offices and all places where incandescent lamps are used it is desirable to have thelarnps connected in groups, one or more of which may be illuminated at any time, as desired. For example, lamps may lie-placed. on each floor orhallway of a building in groups of varying number, depending on the requisites of each location. Under these circumstances it' would comn'ionly be required to have all the lamps operable from the lower hall.

In carrying out my inv cntion I make use of an exceedingly compact pendent switch which may hang at a convenient oint-for example, in the lower hall of a bui ding--a 11d which 1s capable of controlling the groups at various parts of the building:for example, on the various floors. VVhenthe need for the illumination has passed, all of the lamps may be simultaneously extinguished by the movement of a single relcase-button. This prevents any group being left inadvertently lighted.

In its broad aspects the invention includes a block of porcelainor insulating material which is recessed symmetrically about a central axis and which has metallic clips or terminals fastened thereto, selected members of which. may be bridged to establish a connec tion.

p p p once-sign, 1 indicates a block of porcelain or Fig. a section on the line V]. VI of Fig. 5

insulating material, which is generally cylindrical in contour, but which is notched exteriorly and recessed interiorly to receive certain metallic clips and parts Exterio'rly the block has notches or cavities 2 deeply incut around its periphery. In this way there is provided between the various notches-a series of ledges 3, which form partitions therebetween. The form of the various notches or IIO Anna... s n.

- around the circumference.

shown there are fournotches 2, which are ring-11,-of insulating material, which is of metallic clips which have lateral extensions clips 6 have the portions 10 exposed intericavities 2 is different for the different notches In the structure exactly alike, while the remaining fournotches 2", alternating therewith, are of slightly-different form. The character of the notches 2 will be mostv clear from .aninspection of Fig. 5, while that of the notches 2- is illustrated in Fig. 9. Metallic clips are contained in these various notches and constitute terminals of separate circuit-wires.

Referring particularly to Fig. 5, it will be seen that the notches 2 have a face 4, which i is parallel with the axis of the block. This face furnishes a guiding-shoulder on which the metallic clips rest. There is also provided in each notch a small cavity 5.. 6 designate the clips, having ends 7, which are de llected inward, so as to enter the cavities 5. Each clip has a terminal screw 8 thereon, and the material of the block is cut away, as shown at 9, so as to provide a space for the terminal screw 8 to enter. The lower ends of the clips 6 extend downward, as shown at 10, below the plane of the lower edge of the block 1. The cavities 5 constitute the means for holding one end of the clip 6 in place. The other ends of these clips are held in place by a sullicient diameter to closely engage and surround the extremities lO'of said cavities, as shown in Fig. 5. 10 are enlargements on the clips, which-engage the block 1 to prevent up-- ward displacement. This ring-shaped block 11 has vertical passages 12 therethrough, which are arcuate in section and which are adapted to fall in alinement with the notches 2" when the blocks are assembled in place. Through these passages 12 are passed the clips 13 and which enter the notches 2 thereabove, as shown in Fig. 9. 14 indicate small 15. 16 denote small machine-screws by which the clips 13 are secured to the clips 14. The form of the notches 2 is such that the lateral extensions or lugs 15 engage the mate rial of the block, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, and serve to hold the clips 13 firmly up into' place. By this construction it will be seen that when'the clips are assembled within the notches and the ring 11 is positioned and the screws 16 driven into place that all the clips will be firmly held in proper relation. The

orl y at four points within the ring 11, and the clips 13 will also have portions 17 exposed within or below the ring 11 at four points around its internal wall. In practice all of the'clips 13 are extended, as shown at 17, so that such extensions lie directly below the parts 10 of the other clips. The clips 13 have terminal screws 18 thereon exactly similar to the screws 8 of the clips 6 previously described. The'block 1 is also recessed at 19. to accommodate these terminal screws in a 1 vertical alinement.

manner similar to the recesses 9 above men tioned. It will be understood that the circuit connections are made to the terminal screws 8' and 18. Any circuit will be conneoted to adjacent clips having the relation shown inFig. 11, whereby the two would have the circuit difference of potential. It i may be observed in passing that those clips which have the circuitdifi'erence of potential are separated at all points by a partition of the porcelain or insulating block 1 or the'rii'ig 11. This is a desirable protection against fire and short circuits and is furthermore conformable to the insurance regulations.

Again referring to Fig. 11, it will be seen that the clips 6 and 13 present faces which are in the same plane with one another and in These faces are designated at 10 and 17,-respectively, and I'provide a switch element for each pair ofclips which cooperates with these faces and estab- .lishes an electricconnection between them under certain circumstances. The form of these switch elements is best illustrated in Fig. 5, which also shows the relation of the effective parts of the metallic clips 6 and 1,3.

20 indicates a switch element formed of a metallic strip bent right-sin ularly at each end 21, so as to have generally U-shaped form..

22 indicate perforations in the extensions 21, which may be slightly elongated in the direction of the extensions, if desired, as shown in Fig. 6. 23 is a spindle which passesthrough the openings 22 and is received in a cavity 24 in the block 1. Each spindle has a collar 25, which engages a tension-spring 26 within the corresponding cavity and which, serves the double purpose of guiding the inner end of the spindle and also impelling the same in an outward or downward direction. The lower end of each rod or spindle 23 has an elongated button 27. ,These buttons are guided, as

shown, in a cup-shaped part 28, which is preferably of porcelain or insulating material and which fits upon .the ring 11, so as to inclose the exposed metallic parts of the clips 13 and also furnish the guiding-holes 29, bywhichthe buttons 27 are positioned and guided. I prefer in practice to have thedisposition of the recesses 24 and the'holes 29 such that the spindles 23 have an outwardly-diverging re-. lation with one another, as shown.

As already stated, the switch elements 20 are loosely supported on the spindles 23, which pass through the alined holes 22 of said switch elements; The size of the holes 22 is such that the switch elements have a mcnts 20 so as to present a rounded protuberance or portion 31 at the back of each of the switch elements and preferably atja point 30 indica e springs, which are fixed to the switch ele- It I coaxial relatio n.

between the planes of the two extensions 21. In practice I prefer to make use of leaf or blade springs 30, which are fastened at the upper end of the switch elements and depend downward over the backs thereof, as shown.

Each of the spring-s30 lies in such a relation that it may be engaged by a central longitudinal movable member 32, which I shall term the "releasing-button." in its preferred form this comprises a central rod or spindle having a button 33 at one end and guided at its opposite end in. a hole- 3 The button 323 may be made square with chantfered corners in. practice, so that when guided in a corresponding opening 35 in the part 28 the releasing-button will be prevented from rotary movement. it will, however, be free to have a longitudinal movement and normally spriu ,elled outward by the spiral spring 36. This member or spindle 82 carries a block 37, of insulating material, which serves as a collar for the engagement of the spring 156 abo vc mentioned and which also-serves as an abutment for the springs 30 of the respective switch elements. The form of this releasing-button and its rccesse d block 37 is particularly illustrated in Fig. 13. 1t

will be seen that the block 3" line and is recessed at four points 38 upon the periphery, which respectively lie opposite the blade-springs 30. The bottoms of the recesses 38 are curved and have at their lower ends a ledge 39. In the normal relation of the parts all of the buttons 27 and the releas mgr-button 33 are outwardly springpressed and have the relation of the two right-hand buttons of Fig. :3. i it will be seen that the protulierance 31 on the blade-spring 30 lies below their-edge 39 of the block 37 on the releasing-button Before considering the operatimi l will re.- fer to one or two features of the practical aspects of the invention. An important feature lies in the provision of a ledge 40, which extends annularly around the internal surface of the ring 11, so as to lie between the clips 6 and 13 at the parts which are en,, gel by the switch elements.

The initial part 41 of this ledge is substantiallyin the plane of the extension 10 of the clip 6, so that the switch element may ride upon such surface 41. The lower part of the annular ledge 40 is, however, highcnough to present a barrier to the movement of the switch elements and also to the formation of any are between the clips. The block 1, the ring 11., and the guidmg member 28 are altassem bled together in in order to permanently hold the partslogether, I provide screws 42, which extend upwzn'd-throirgh the member 218 into alined threaded holes 4'3 in two of the four clips 13. If desired, all of the clips may have an extension 44 at their lower. ends with a threaded hole 43; but in practice I i is square in out-' 27 on. the left in Fig. 5is depressed.

two of the clips provided withextensions in this way in the relation shown best in dotted tured for the various buttons 27 and 33 and which has a lj ayonct-joint or other fastening 4-9, by which it is positioned in place. Vi hen the circuit connections are made and the plate 48 is assembled in this way, the device is complete and ready for use. r

The operation is as folio In the normal relation of the parts all of the buttons 27 and 33 are spring-impelled outward, as'already stated, in which relation the'protuberances 31 of the switch clemerd s lie below the corre sponding ledges 39 of the block 37. it will be observed that the switch element 20 is out of cont act with both of the clips 6 and 13 at'this time. The upper extension of each switch clement lies on the insulating-ledge41, while the lower part of each switch elementis out of contact with the clip 13 by a fa. interval. 'lhus I secure a twoquoint break of the circuit at each sw tch element, the break at both points being as as required by the insurance:- regulations and all requisites of prudence. l will now imagine that one of the switchln1ttons-for example, the button This causes the protuberance 31 of the switchblade 30 to ride over \the ledge 39, after which the s ')ring tension impels the switch element abruptly upward. Accordingly the circuit is made by an abrupt movement, and there is no likelihood of the switch element being left in a position where it makes an imperfect contact or where an arc might be possible. The switch element passes upward to the limit of its movement under the impulse of the operating pressure and the bladespring 30, which thereafter holds the switch element in such relation against return inov ement. Not only does the spring-blade 3O accomplish ,this function, but it also serves thefurther purpose of impelling the switch clement inward at both ends toward the clips 6 and 13. The switch element therefore makes electric contact at both clips and completes the electric circuit between them and between the corresponding terminalsof this particular circuit. It is obvious that one butt-on 27 may be depressed or two but tons or three or any number or group or combination, so that the lights of the conhave found that it is sufficient to have only combinations of groups. When, however,

' the need for the illumination is past, it is merely necessary to depress the releasingbutton 33. This lmpels inward the block 37 and moves all of the ledges 39 past the corresponding protuberances 31 of the blade.

springs of each of the switch elements. If only one switch element is depressed, the releasing-button only moves past one such 24, and all of the buttons are accordingly impolled outward to open their circuits. Inasmuch as this motion is directly impelled by the springs 24, it is evident that it is accomplished with maximum suddenness, so that the circuit rupture at the switch elements is very abrupt. This is an exceedingly important feature of my invention, as will be obvious to those skilled in the art. pressure is removed from the releasingbutton 33, the latter returns outward under t1 e influence of its impelli-ng spring 36, which should be somewhat stronger than the springs 24 of the other buttons.

What I claim is 1. In an electric switch, a plurality of concentrically disposed metallic clips, switch elements contacting therewith, and a single means for releasing all oi said switch elements from such contact.

2. In an electric switch, a plurality oi cir-- 'cuit-closi'ng buttons, and a single button coaXially arranged, thereto for releasing said circuit-closing buttons.

In an electric switch, a block of insulating material having a series of circumferential notches and terminal clips in said notches. said clips projecting below the lower edge of the block, and means for closing an electric circuit between any desired pairs of said clips. I

4. In an electric switch, a block having a plurality of circumferentialnotches, clips in said notches each having a terminal screw, and means for connecting any desired. numher of adjacent-clips whereby different electrical circuits are completed.

5. In an electric switch, an insulatingblock having a plurality of metallic clips embedded therein,spring-impelled means for electrically connecting any desired pair of adjacent clips, and a spring -impelled button for releasing said means.

6. In an electric switch, a block of insulating material having notches around its circumference, clips contained in said notches each having a terminal screw, and movable switch elements having springs by which they are impelled to connect adjacent clips by an abrupt movement into circuit-closing relation.

7. In an electric switch, a block of insulat- VVhen ing material having a plurality of terminal clips separated by insulating-partitit ns, switch elements for electrically connecting adjacent clips, and a releasing-button lot releasing said clemei'its into circuit-opening relation.

8. In an electric switch, an hrsulatingblcck having a plurality of circumierential notches, alternate notches having a recess thcrqiil'i, terminal clips having a bent-over portion contained in said recesses, additional clips lying intermediate said l'ilist-1nentioncd clips, and switch elements for comiecting any desired number oi such -.lip:

9. In an electric switch, a plurality of blocks ol insulating material adapted to be fitted together in coaxial relation, terminal clips securedv on one cl said blocks and ex tending opposite the interior sin'l aci-i ol another of said blocks, and a plurality of switch elements arranged to move over and connect any desired number of said terminal clips.

10. In an,electric switch, a block ol insulating material having notches, terminal clips in said. notches and extending below the lower edge of said block, a second insulating block or ring oi annular shape arranged to surround the lower ends cl said. terminal clips, switch elements inside said second block and means for, moving each switch ele ment into engagement with a pair of the tor minal clips.

11. In an electric switch, a block of insulating material having notches, terl'nii'ial clips in said notches and extending])elow the lower edge of said block, a ring of insulating material surrounding said lowerends ol' the clips, switch elements within said. ring, and means for moving each switch element into engagement with. a pair of the tzrirmii'ial clips.

12. In an electric switch, a porcelain block having circumferential notches, terminal clips in SitldkDOtCl'lQS and extending below the lower edge a? said block, an insulating-ring surrounding said lower ends, and switch elements each having springs by which they are impelled into electrical contact with said ter minal clips.

13. In an electric switcl'i, a porcelain block having a plurality of notches, said notches being of two different characters, a set of terminal clips having bent-over extremities to fit into one group of said notches, and having lower ends which extend below the lower edge of said block, and another set of clips formed in two parts secured together and having lower ends with lateral arcuate extensions arranged to d-irectly-below the low-er ends oi said first-mentioned clips, and switch elements arranged to be moved into spring-impelled engagement with said clips.

1' In an electric switch, a plurality ot-metallic clips or contacts, a plurality of switch elements nnwable into spring-impelled contact therewith, and a releasing-buttmr having a ledge to trip saidswiteh eleinei'its out of contact with the clips.

15. In an electric switch, a pair of clips connected to the wires of an electric circuit, a

impelled into contact with said clips, and releasing-bu tton having a ledge serving as an abutment for said springand adapted to release said switch element when the button is depressed. i

16. In an electric switch, connected to the wires cl an switch clement :pring wel l into contact therewith, and a reiezn ll m lon having'a ledge constituting an aoutincnt for said spring and adapted to release the switch elenientwhen th button. is depressed.

17. in an electric switch, a plurality of terminal clips arranged in a circle arourul a central axis, and a pluality of switch elenienizs surrounded by said clips and movable a pair of clips 2t ce1reu1t,a

to connect the different clips in separate pairs.

In an electric switch, a plurality of clips arranged a circle around acentral axis, and a plurality of switch elements sui'- rounded by said clips and each longitudinaiilly movable in the direction of said axis to conmeet the clips in separate pairs, and means for simultaneously moving all of the switch elements to disconnect all of the clips from one another.

19. in electric switch, apair of terminal clips connected. to the wires of an electric circuit, a rod or spindle supported adjacent to leasing-button having an abutment for said spring whereby the switch element may be impelled into engagement with said clips.

21. In air-electric swi ch, a plurality oi" 1 7 a l. L pm 1 porcelain .nocls (Hull lg L-Gllllllldi cips ano SWli ClI elements disposed therein, and having a releasing-button vi'l'iereby the switch elenicnts may be moved in to cu'enit-opening; reswitch element havin'ga by which it 153 having an. insulatinglation, and a (:2 ll] 1 bushing surrounding said blocks and arranged to lead away the circuinwires therefrom.

in an electric switch, a pair of terminal clips sepz'irated byan insulating wall or lodge, a U-shaped switch element arranged to extend over said ledge and connect the terminal clips when desired, and means for releasing said switch element whereby it is spring-inn pelled into circuit-opening relation.

In an electric switch, a pair of terminal clips, a switch element with a spring having a protuberance thereon, an abutment for said spring having a ledge to engage said protuberance, and means whereby said al'mtinent may be displaced so as to release the switch element into circuit-opening relation.

24:. In an electric switch, a plurality of concentrically-arranged circuit-closing buttons and a ccntrallydis )osed releasing-button ar ranged to move all of said first-named buttons into circuit-opening relation when it is depressed In an electric switch, a porcelain block having a plurality of circuniferentially-disposed terminal clips, a plurality of circuitclosing buttons arranged to connect adjacent pairs of said terminal clips, and a central releasingdmtton.

:26. In an electric switch, a plurality of terminal clips having portions symmetrically disposed around a central axis, a plurality of switch elements also supported around said central axis, and spring-impelled into contact with said clips, and means for releasing said buttons whereby they are impelled into cir 

